Hatha Yoga- The Physical Practice of Yoga

Meaning and Origin of Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is defined as the simplest form of yoga. It is a slow stretching movement that involves few simple breathing exercises and seated meditation. Therefore, “Simple yoga’’ is referred to as hatha yoga. Yogi Swatmarama, who was a sage from the 15th century from India, was the first person to have introduced hatha yoga.

Hatha yoga is one of the most popular types of yoga. It has been the base for several other styles of yoga that originated from it like Bikram Yoga, Power Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga.

The word “hatha” can be broken into two words, “ha” means “sun” and “tha” means “moon”. Therefore, hatha yoga is known to bring two opposites the sun (positive) and moon (negative) together. In the eight limbs of yoga, it focuses on the third asana and the fourth pranayama steps.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga helps in maintaining a balance between the body and mind. Through different pranayama or breathing techniques, asanas or physical poses and meditation, it helps to gain an element of spiritual knowledge of the mind.

Hatha Yoga Asanas

Asanas can be described as different body postures that help to clear any type of physical disease and health problems. The word “asana” means “seat” and it relates to the position of the body as well as it defines the connection to divinity. All these postures are for meditation as they help the body to relax for a long time. If a person practices the asanas regularly, it will enhance in flexible muscles, develop concentration, self withdrawal and strengthening of the bone.

Pranayama

Pranayama can be broken into two words, “prana” means energy source and “ayama” means to control. It is the technique of controlling the breath. Pranayama is a very important part of Hatha Yoga and experts who used to practice this during the 15th century believed that the only way to control one’s mind was by controlling the breath. If a person continuously practices pranayama, he can revive the hidden energy that is stored inside his body.

Hatha yoga is one of the best forms of yoga. A regular practice will help you understand your body better as well as come in close contact with your mental and physical potential. Every person has many hidden potentials, the only way to know and understand it is practicing hatha yoga. Hatha yoga also helps in gaining immense strength and flexibility. A person becomes very relaxed and is able to face any type of difficult situations.

The relaxation exercises of hatha yoga makes way for energy to pass through, thus helping the spiritual energy to pass freely. There are a few poses in hatha yoga that strengthen the internal organs, thus strengthening the immunity of the body. This immunity keeps diseases like arthritis, diabetes and hypertension at bay.

A few asanas or poses in hatha yoga balances the glandular and internal functions. Pranayama is known to prevent many diseases like bronchitis and asthma.

Hatha yoga is the best way to relieve tension, cope with stress, and deal with depression and anxiety. It helps to focus the mind which needs to be prepared for meditation.